Codes of Ethics

Introduction and Purpose:

The Canadian Hypnosis Association is dedicated to providing the highest standard of professional coaching, consulting, assessment and training services.

The Code of Ethics serves as a foundation for practitioners of the Art of Hypnosis in all business, moral and professional practices. It teaches us how to behave with our colleagues within the profession and with our clients in a safe and healthy manner. It ensures that both client and practitioner grow as individuals.

The code of Ethics provides a moral framework for analyzing and making decisions when ethical dilemmas arise. Every ethical dilemma can not be anticipated or regulated and more than one alternative decision maybe considered ethical. Therefore, practitioners need to enhance their professional judgement through the following guidelines consult their supervisors for implementing ethical decision making, consult other senior, trusted colleagues or other reliable sources.

It provides a reference point for to work through challenges that may arise with individuals, families or communities. Practitioners must enhance their professional judgment through the knowledge of these guidelines and the use of ethical decision making processes.

It prevents this organization from doing activities that may harm the interests of other organizations, individual societies, consumers, the environment or the larger community of Practitioners.

The Code of Ethics does not replace legal advice. Practice guidelines support practitioners in providing professional, ethical and competent practice, however, they are not binding beyond the law.

Canadian Hypnosis Association Ethical Principles

Preserve dignity.

Above all, respect and recognize the inherent value of every human being.

Use language in all communications that conveys respect for all beings.

Abstain from any form of harassment.

Respect the rights of others.

Assume primary responsibility for the client. Do no harm.

Obtain free and informed consent for all services.

Inform clients of their rights as consumers of Hypnosis and/or Trance work.

Where the client is not capable of providing consent, speak to and interact with the legally designated substitute decision maker to obtain that consent.

Inform the client that their privacy will be respected and that confidentiality will be abided by in accordance with legal principles and ethical standards. The practitioner is responsible for securing the clients personal files and information while providing access to a trustee person in the events of illness or death.

Respect the client’s cultural customs and beliefs.

If there is a conflict of interest between client and practitioner that may prove harmful to the practitioner.

Provide safe, competent, compassionate, ethical care.

The Practitioner’s responsibility is to the client’s welfare and safety. He/she is to respect the client’s mental, emotional and physical state at all times.

Discrimination on the basis of any of the following is prohibited: race, ethnicity, age, gender or sexual orientation, religion, marital status, political belief, physical handicap or any bias of other conditions or characteristics.

A professional relationship with the client must be upheld. Any kind of intimate relationship between the client and the practitioner is strictly prohibited. Physical abuse, inappropriate touching or sexual activities and verbal abuse are not tolerated and the reported practitioner will be penalized by CHA Ethics Committee.

When a referral to other services for a client is necessary or in her/his best interest, mentor or supervisor must be contacted for advice before further services are rendered.

ï¿¼ï¿¼Promote Health and Well Being

Maintain a quality work environment that is safe and comfortable for the client.

Advocate and act, both within the workplace and in public, in a way to promote hypnosis as an art and a science and to elevate the public image of hypnosis.

Advocate education of the client through your explanations of the process with the implementation of patience, empathy and direct information.

Examine and become clear regarding your own beliefs and biases so they can be altered if necessary for safe and conscientious care. Seek assistance and advice of your supervisor or senior level colleagues when needed.

Be accountable

Read, support and maintain information within the Code of Ethics.
Maintain regular contact with your supervisor for continuous support and guidelines for an ethical practice.
Maintain contact with Canadian Hypnosis Associations Ethic’s Committee so that up to date information can be available to you. Attend workshops, seminars, webinars and education days to keep your level of knowledge current and your interest keen.
Take responsibility to boost ethical research and scientific knowledge within the Art of Hypnosis.
Maintain a healthy emotional and psychological well being. If emotional burn out is experienced, do not practice any type of trance work
clients. Protecting the client’s emotional health is to be taken seriously by the practitioner.

Ethical Endeavours

Promote the art of Hypnosis as a tool for bettering all areas of persons lives.

Support, recognize and address organizational, social and political factors that influence the art of â€¨ Hypnosis and society as a whole.

Advocate for change of unethical policies, legislation, or regulations that may affect Practitioners â€¨ and/or Society as a whole.